Singapore Airlines to resume Changi T2 departures, reopen SilverKris Lounge

Prior to COVID, Singapore Airlines operated out of Changi Terminals 2 and 3. T2 was used for regional departures, while T3 handled medium and long-haul departures. 

When COVID struck, a decision was made to close T2 in May 2020 for at least 18 months, which would conserve resources and expedite the planned renovations. Singapore Airlines consolidated all operations under one roof at T3. 

But with the faster-than-expected recovery in air travel, Changi Airport Group (CAG) is in an expansive mood. T2 reopened for arrivals on 29 May 2022, T4 is set to resume operations on 13 September 2022, and now we’ve got word that CAG will take the next step and resume T2 departures from 11 October 2022. 

With the reopening of departure facilities, Singapore Airlines will return to two-terminal operations once again, relocating all its South East Asia departures to T2 by the middle of October.

Singapore Airlines returning to Changi Terminal 2

CAG will reopen the southern wing of T2 for departure operations on 11 October 2022, which will enhance Changi’s overall capacity and spread out passenger operations more evenly as travel demand ramps up to the year-end peak.

Singapore Airlines will be the first airline to use the new check-in rows at T2, and resume departures in two tranches:

• From 11 October 2022, Singapore Airlines flights to Malaysia and Thailand will depart from T2
• From 13 October 2022, Singapore Airlines flights to the rest of South East Asia will depart from T2

This represents a restoration of almost all of Singapore Airlines’ pre-COVID departures from T2, with the exception of Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Singapore Airlines flights arriving at Changi Airport will continue to be assigned gates at T1, 2 or 3, depending on operational requirements. The assigned terminal and gate will be updated two hours before the estimated flight arrival time, and can be checked on Changi Airport’s website or the iChangi app (Android | iOS)

Other airlines

Air India and Air India Express will also resume T2 departure operations from 18 October 2022. The list of other airlines using T2 will be announced subsequently. 

For reference, here’s the full list of airlines that used to depart from T2 prior to COVID. 

SilverKris lounge at Changi T2 reopening

If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines out of T2, the good news is that you won’t have to make the trek to T3 to use the lounge, since the SilverKris Lounge at T2 is reopening. 

Eligible Singapore Airlines customers may use the SilverKris Lounge at T2.

-CAG

But perhaps you’ll want to.

The SilverKris Lounge at T2 isn’t what I’d call aspirational. It’s dark, cramped, and showing its age. And did I mention that it’s dark? The place feels like perpetual twilight, a far cry from the beautiful new lounge at T3._

I reached out to Singapore Airlines for more details, and they confirmed the following through a spokesperson.

On the extent of refurbishment work at the SilverKris T2 Lounge:

• The SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 underwent minor refurbishment works. However, there is no change to the overall design of the lounge.

• That said, SIA continually reviews our products and services as part of our commitment to constantly elevate the customer experience. We look forward to welcoming our customers to our SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 2.

On whether the SilverKris T2 Lounge will offer both a First and Business Class section:

• Both the First Class and Business Class sections of the SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 2 will be open from 11 October 2022. 

Operating hours have yet to be confirmed, and will be announced in due course. What is also known is that the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will not reopen initially, and the SilverKris Lounge will accommodate all eligible passengers, namely:

• First and Business Class passengers on a Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance operated flight
• Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers on a Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance operated flight, with Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club, KrisFlyer Elite Gold or Star Gold status

That might actually be a good thing for KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Gold members in Premium Economy or Economy Class, since the standard of catering in SilverKris Lounge is a notch above the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge. 

Don’t forget- it’s relatively straightforward to transit between T3 and T2 via the airside Skytrain link, which runs between the A gates in T3 (close to the T3 SilverKris Lounge) and the F gates in T2.

What can we expect at Changi T2?

T2 has been going under the knife, so it won’t be the same as how you remember it. 

The renovated terminal will feature a new layout for the departures hall and immigration, 20% more floorspace for retail and F&B, as well as better runway views. There will be more self-service check-in counters, new baggage belts, and new dining concepts as well. 

All in all, 15,500 square metres will be added, increasing Changi Airport’s capacity by 5 million passengers per year for a total of 90 million passengers per year. Post-expansion, T2 will become the largest terminal in the airport until T5 opens in the mid-2030s.

We’ve already had a peek at some of the work, thanks to photos released by CAG. 

CAG’s press release talks about a “contemporary design concept is inspired by elements of nature”, with automated check-in kiosks and immigration gates. 

For instance, the extensive use of natural materials for wall cladding and flooring, coupled with giant green columns displaying a unique plant palette, engenders a sense of calm and relaxation for passengers and visitors

-CAG

In terms of facilities, the southern wing of T2 will offer various F&B and retail offerings in the public and transit areas. Starbucks and SingPost will return to their original locations, while T2’s transit hotel and pay-per-use lounge will be open to departing and transit passengers. 

Renovations at T2 will continue even as operations resume, with a targeted completion date by the end of 2023 or early 2024. When the northern wing of T2 is fully completed by 2024, passengers can expect “even more interesting F&B and retail options”, as well as new attractions. 

Conclusion

Changi Airport will reopen the southern wing of T2 from 11 October 2022, and Singapore Airlines will be the first to make the move back, relocating all its South East Asia destinations by the middle of the month. 

The SilverKris Lounge will also reopen, although I wouldn’t hold my breath about seeing wholesale changes. 

Do share your experiences if you’re scheduled to depart from T2 next month!